Specification at a glance

Physics is the study of how things work from the very large to the incredibly small – the universe to the atom. The specification introduces students to some of the concepts and applications of physics from the use and transfer of energy, to insights into waves, radiation and space.

Students sit three written papers at the end of the course in June. They also need to take a controlled assessment that covers two written assessments and a minimum of one practical investigation based on the topics taught.

The controlled assessment is not tiered but students take either the Foundation Tier or the Higher Tier for the other units.

This qualification consists of four units of content: three teaching units and a practical Controlled Assessment unit.

Unit 1: Physics 1

Written paper - 1 hour

60 marks - 25%

Structured and closed questions

At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context.

Unit 2: Physics 2

Written paper - 1 hour

60 marks - 25%

Structured and closed questions

At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context.

Unit 3: Physics 3

Written paper - 1 hour

60 marks - 25%

Structured and closed questions

At least one question assessing Quality of Written Communication in a science context.

Unit 4: Controlled Assessment

Investigative Skills Assignment – two written assessments plus one or two lessons for practical work and data processing

50 marks – 25%

Controlled Assessment:

we set the ISAs and send you all the information before the course starts